The international group of scientists from Australia and Sweden discovered that the brain ages faster than healthy ones in schizophrenia patients and can be determined by blood test. The key factor was NFL protein (light protein of neurofilaments). The study was published scientifically magazine Psychiatry Studies (Psyres).
NFL is a structural component of neurons that enter the blood circulation when they are damaged. The level grows with neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson) and natural aging. However, this process is much faster in schizophrenia patients.
Researchers measured NFL levels in schizophrenia patients and found that they have increased sharply with age than healthy ones. This shows accelerated brain aging. In addition, such a pattern has not been detected in patients with bipolar disorder.
The screening of the brain confirmed: The volume of gray and white substances in schizophrenia patients decreases faster than normal aging. This can explain the characteristic cognitive disorders of the disease.
With schizophrenia, the deterioration of the white and gray substance of the brain occurs rapidly, which has more serious consequences than ordinary ages.
The opening of NFL as a marker can simplify and control the diagnosis of schizophrenia and control its progress. In the future, this will help to develop methods that slow down neurodegeneration.
Previously, scientists To create Connection between ADHD and Dementia.
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Source: Gazeta
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